Amokachi blames Mikel’s substitution for Chelsea’s woes

SuperSport television football analyst Daniel Amokachi has blamed the withdrawal of Mikel Obi at halftime for the 3-1 crash of Chelsea at Arsenal Monday night.

Arsenal led 1-0 at the break before they went on to win the game 3-1 in the second half of this high-profile English Premier League fixture.

Mikel

The English champions are now on 31 points after 18 matches and six points adrift of league leaders Manchester United.

“I wouldn’t know why Mikel was subbed at half time. Carlo Ancelotti made a fatal tactical blunder by pulling out Mikel because he is the one who gives cover to the Chelsea defence, not (Michael) Essien or Ramires, who love to go forward,” argued former assistant national team coach Amokachi.

“When Mikel isn’t there, Chelsea have often struggled to play as a team and that was what happened against Arsenal.”

Amokachi said during his post-match analysis of the EPL clash that champions Chelsea lacked depth and would need to buy when the winter transfer window opens next week.

“They need a creative midfielder like Luka Modric of Spurs. He can change things for them. But will Roman Abramovich provide the funds to buy new players?” asked Amokachi, who in his playing days featured for Everton in the EPL.

The former Nigeria international also posited that there is unrest at Chelsea following the sensational departure of assistant manager, Ray Wilkins.

“There’s no love at Chelsea. Were Ray Wilkins still at the club, he would have been whispering to Ancelotti some tips, but the two assistants on the bench on Monday (Michael Emenalo and Paul Clement) were just sitting and watching the game,” said Amokachi.

Chelsea have not won in their last six games since Wilkins’ departure.

“There’s something going on at Chelsea and they have to sort it out quickly.”

Amokachi’s hot bets for the championship are Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal.